Teens want HOP card phone app

FROM LEFT: James Pearce, Jenny Ii, Sam Yoon, Kristina Kim and Jack Timings who suggested a HOP card app for checking and topping up their balances.

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Ever been caught short when trying to catch the bus?

Kristina Kim has.

The 17-year-old Westlake Girls student is a regular user of public services and of Auckland Transport's new pre-pay HOP card which allows her buy bus, train and ferry tickets without using cash.

However, Kristina said she didn't often know what her card balance was and, most of the time, wouldn't have the coins to pay the fare.

Her fellow Devonport-Takapuna Youth Board members - James Pearce, Jenny Li, Sam Yoon and Jack Timings - have had similar experiences and all agreed an application for iPhones and other devices would solve the issue.

Checking your HOP card balance on your phone before using public transport would save time, Kim said.

Pearce, 16, said text message notifications about card balances would also help.

Top up machines at major transport stations were also mooted by the youth board.

The teenagers took their ideas to Auckland Transport's regional public transport hearing at Smales Farm where chairman Mike Lee commended them for proactive and fresh ideas.

The youth board said the application should be free and wireless internet should be available at transport hubs.